NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE News Media Contact:
October 31, 2007 Mary Diamond (202) 418-2388
FCC Adopts Rules to Increase Choice and Competition Among Video Providers for 
Consumers Residing in Multiple Dwelling Units 
Washington, DC – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today adopted a
Report and Order (Order) banning the use of exclusivity clauses for the provision of video 
services to multiple dwelling units (“MDUs”) or other real estate developments.  The Order finds 
that nearly 30% of Americans live in MDUs and these numbers are growing. 
With this proceeding, the Commission is taking another step to foster greater competition 
in the market for the delivery of multichannel video programming.  These rules will increase 
choice and competition for consumers residing in MDUs and other real estate developments.  In 
this Order, the Commission prohibits the enforcement or execution of existing exclusivity 
clauses and the execution of new ones by MVPDs subject to section 628 of the Communications 
Act.  Specifically the Order finds that: 
· exclusivity clauses that bar competitive entry harm competition and broadband 
deployment and can insulate the incumbent MVPD from any need to improve its 
service.
· exclusivity clauses are widespread in agreements between MVPDs and MDU owners. 
· incumbent cable operators have increased the use of exclusivity clauses in their 
agreements with MDU owners with the entry of LECs into the video marketplace.  
· the use of exclusivity clauses in contracts for the provision of video services to MDUs
constitutes an unfair method of competition or an unfair act or practice under Section 
628(b).
The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of the Proposed Rulemaking (Further Notice) 
that seeks comment on whether we should take action to address exclusivity clauses entered 
into by DBS providers, private cable operators, and other MVPDs who are not subject to 
Section 628. The Further Notice also seeks comment on whether the Commission should 
prohibit exclusive marketing and bulk billing arrangements.  
Action by the Commission, October 31, 2007 by Report and Order (FCC 07-189). Chairman 
Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein and Tate with Commissioner McDowell concurring.  
Separate statements issued by Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate and 
McDowell. 
--FCC--
Media Bureau Contacts: Holly Saurer (202) 418-2120
John Norton (202) 418-2120